 Photo courtesy: Deana Stoneback |
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It's Town Meeting Time!
New Location - The Double E Performance CenterThe Town of Essex Annual Meeting will take place within town borders at the Double E Performance Center this year. Town meeting is going back to an in-person meeting, parting from the completely online meetings held during the pandemic. Since the Town of Essex still holds some of its voting from the floor, a hybrid meeting for participation can not be offered. Town Meeting TV will be on site providing a live stream for those at home who would prefer to just watch. Town ShowcaseAttend Town Meeting early on March 6th at the Double E Performance Center and visit with Essex departments, boards, committees, and commissions.
Grab some FREE POPCORN to take into the meeting with you!
The Lounge will be set up with tables from the Essex Police Department, Essex Free Library, Essex Energy Committee, and more. Stop by early to pick up some goodies and then head down the hallway to the T-Rex Theater to find a comfortable seat for the annual meeting. NOTICE: Ballots Will Not Be MailedThe Town of Essex will NOT be mailing ballots to all voters for the 2023 Town Meeting election. You may either request an absentee/early voting ballot (postage will be included), or vote in person on March 7th. For more information regarding early/absentee ballot voting, please visit the Voter Information page on the Town's website. Voter InformationResidents may register at the Town Clerk’s office, 81 Main Street, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM., online at https://olvr.vermont.gov/ or at the polling place for same day registration. All that is required for voter registration is your Vermont driver’s license number, or if you do not have a Vermont driver’s license, the last four digits of your social security number. Visit the Voter Information page. |
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What's on the Ballot?
View the entire Town Meeting warning at www.essexvt.org/townmeeting.
Article V. Shall the Town adopt a budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 as recommended by the Selectboard in the amount of $15,401,152?
Article VI. Shall the Town of Essex increase the Capital Reserve Fund by adding 1 cent to the tax rate, in addition to the two cents previously authorized, for the purpose of financing capital projects? Article VII. Shall the Town of Essex reorganize its charter as recommended by the Charter Review Committee? Article VIII. Shall the Town of Essex amend its charter to have the authority to adopt and enforce ordinances for the purposes of regulating, licensing, and fixing reasonable and necessary license fees? Article IX. Shall the Town of Essex amend its charter to give the Selectboard the power to enact an ordinance to protect residential tenants from eviction without just cause? Article X. Shall the Town of Essex amend its charter to allow for the recall of Selectboard members? Article XI. Shall the Town of Essex amend its charter to create a Development Review Board to replace the Zoning Board of Adjustment by January 1, 2025, following passage by the Vermont Legislature? Article XII. Election of the following: Moderator, 1 vacancy (1-year term)
Selectboard, 2 vacancies (3-year terms) Learn more about the Proposed Budget.
Learn more about the Proposed Charter Amendments. |
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Update on Town Plan 2024Residents gather to share ideas
In some instances, it was standing room only as Essex residents gathered at multiple locations over various dates and times throughout the month of January. Those who were unable to attend a meeting in person submitted their thoughts online. You told us about the things you love about your town. You told us about your vision for what life in Essex could be. You told us what we need to improve. Thank you for taking the time to participate! This was the most important step as we start the work to put together the Town Plan. The Plan work group has a mountain of information to sort through as they move forward to the next steps. Watch for continued updates in this newsletter and online at www.essexvt.org/townplan2024. |
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 Residents gather at Uncommon Coffee to discuss Town Plan 2024 |
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Essex Police Department Hosting a R.A.D. CourseThursdays in March
The Essex Police Department is excited to announce we will be hosting a R.A.D. course. This course is intended for females who wish to learn survival techniques and instincts. It will teach participants what they need to do physically and mentally to make it through an attack by an aggressor. The class will be held Thursdays, March 2nd-30th, from 6:30PM-8:30PM. The first class will meet at Essex Police Department and the remaining classes will meet at Founders Memorial School. |
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Essex Parks and Recreation Fire & Ice EventSaturday, February 18, 2023 at 5 pm -8 pm
Join our staff at the ice rinks for skating, tune, fire pits, s'mores and more! Bring your own skates, we will provide the rest.
This event is subject to the cooperation of Mother Nature! Learn more online. |
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Staff Updates & News
Resolution - Jerry FirkeyThank you for 50 Years
The Town Selectboard recently recognized Jerry Firkey for 50 years of continuous service in investigating, enforcing, and resolving public health issues to support and maintain a high quality of life for the Essex community.
Jerry was hired and served as Zoning Administrator for the Town of Essex from November 1971 until 1977 and again from November 1980 until April 2006. He was appointed as Health Officer in 1972 taking on this important duty for several municipalities, including Essex.
Jerry retired after 31 years of service as Zoning Administrator, but remained active in his contribution to the community as Health Officer for 50 years. Jerry performed focused and diligent work as Health Officer even when the rules and guidelines that exist today were not in place to support the professional position in earlier years.
Jerry's final year as Health Officer wrapped up in December. Thank you, Sir, for your dedication to the citizens of Essex! |
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Bids & Proposals
Request for SOQ for Engineering Services
The Town of Essex is in the process of obtaining Statements of Qualifications, SOQ, from qualified engineering firms detailing the firms’ qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, and related prior experience. Required professional services will include but are not limited to preliminary engineering services, design- and construction-related services, preparation of bidding and contract documents, participation in the evaluation of bids received, and monitoring and inspection of construction activities to ensure compliance with plans and specifications associated for Town of Essex, Center Road Sanitary Sewer Forcemain Replacement. A copy of the Request for Qualifications can be obtained by contacting the Public Works Office at (802)878-1344 or by emailing Annie Costandi at acostandi@essex.org.
Read the full request. |
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Highlight: Essex Park Patrol
Formerly referred to as "Bike Patrol", the Town of Essex is hiring for the summer of 2023. Are you interested in a career in law enforcement, but aren't quite sure if it's a good fit for you? Essex Park Patrol (EPP) may be the way for you to dip your toe into the water and find out.
The EPP provides daytime and evening bicycle and foot patrols in the Town of Essex and the City of Essex Junction. EPP will provide high visibility to the bike path(s), parks, schools, the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds, and Essex and Essex Junction business districts and residential streets. Park Patrol is a step in an overall mission of inspiring the citizens of Essex to take an active part in policing the community and making Essex a safer place to live, work, and grow up in. Members of the EPP are not law enforcement officers and will not engage in law enforcement activities. This position can qualify as a paid internship for college credits depending on the college/university requirements. Learn more about Essex Park Patrol... Other job postings available - Community Connections Coordinator
- Cemetery Sexton
- Assistant Finance Director
- Police Officer
Explore a new career. |
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Volunteer Opportunities
Highlight: Essex Cemetery Commission
The Cemetery Commission is composed of three to five members who are appointed by the Town Manager with the approval of the Selectboard for three-year terms. The commissioners are responsible for the care and management of the Town’s burial grounds, establishing fees, determining rules and regulations for the use of the cemetery and overseeing the income from the cemetery trust expendable fund with assistance from the Town Administration. The Town cemeteries are an integral part of both the history and the ongoing life of Essex Town and its residents.
See all of the volunteer opportunities waiting for you! |
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Mark your CalendarFeb. 6 - Selectboard Meeting
Feb. 9 - Planning Commission Meeting
Feb. 9 - Conservation & Trails Committee Meeting
Feb. 13 - Board of Civil Authority Meeting
Feb. 15 - Housing Commission Meeting
Feb. 20- Offices closed - President's Day
Feb. 21 - Selectboard Meeting
Feb. 23 - Planning Commission Meeting
Mar. 1 - Housing Commission Meeting
Mar. 2 - Economic Development Commission Meeting
Mar. 2 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
Mar. 6 - Annual Town Meeting at the Double E Performance Center
Mar. 7 - Voting at Essex Middle School 7 am to 7 pm
Be sure to look online for cancelations:
View Calendar Event Details REMINDER: When offices are closed, a drop box is available for payments outside of the entrance door at the Town Offices at 81 Main Street, Essex Junction and many services are available online at www.essexvt.org. |
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